GMB Birmingham & West Midlands Region

GMB responce to Goodyear announcement

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

The GMB is devastated at the announcement made today by Goodyear to move their Motor Sport business to France and Germany.

Only a couple of days ago the company met with local MP Jack Dromey and Vince Cable and agreed to consider in detail alternative sites in Birmingham and in particular Aston. I am at a loss to understand how those options could have been explored in detail over such a short period of time.

The GMB asked the company over 18 months ago to commit to keeping their Motor Sport business in Birmingham if they were forced to move off its current Erdington site. Despite their promises that relocating in Birmingham was an option it is clear that the company have been disingenuous with us and more importantly its loyal workforce.

We will now seek an urgent meeting with the company to discuss this announcement in more detail. We will make sure the company meets all its legal obligations on the decision to shut the Erdington site.